Ogbomoso mourns as ex-principal, top prog MC, Keske, dies at 62
Yinka ADETUNJI
The death of Mr. Edward Olagunju Akintaro, a retired principal, has thrown especially the teachers community as well as sports lovers in Ogbomoso, Oyo state into deep mourning. Akintaro died evening of Thursday (September 7), at the age of 62 years 7 months.
Keske as he was fondly called died during a protracted illness at Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ogbomoso, having been down with cardiac ailments.
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“He was diagnosed with cardiac problem years ago when he was still in service, he was treated and pulled through,” a teacher under him when he was principal at Community High School, Iresaapa in Surulere local government near Ogbomoso told ogbomosinsightonline.com.
“We thought the travail was over but at some other times the ailment relapsed and at a time was on referral to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife, but came back home again hale and hearty. However, few weeks ago he was on admission again when the illness resurfaced,” a family source informed.
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The house at Aduinin area has been thronged by sympathizers showing their grief “over the irreparable loss.”
The General Manager of Crown Football Club, Ogbomoso, Mr. Kunle Oyeleye, in a condolence message made available to Ogbomoso Insight while describing the deceased as great contributor to the promotion of the Nigerian National League campaigner on the two occasions it ever played in the Nigeria’s Professional League noted Keske’s a distinguished personality as a teacher, programme compeer and football commentator.
“It’s sad to hear the passing of an eminent Master Compere Mr. Akintaro popularly addressed as KESKE. He was a great man in every standard , always beaming with smiles and making the moment mirthful, very respectful as an elderly man, gentle as a dove and a jolly good fellow.
“He combined so many good traits as a retired principal. Crown Football Club pays a special tribute to this eminent and cerebral commentator and orator. KESKE contributed immensely to the promotion of Crown Football Club in the first and second spell at the Premier League. As a team your passing to eternal glory came as a rude shock to us but we are solaced in the good and fulfilling life you lived! Adieu Sir!”
Also, Comrade Matthew Olojede, who similarly retired as a principal, wrote in his Facebook wall, “My friend, my brother, Edward Akintaro (KESKE), good night. Your death is shocking and unbelievable. May God stand with your family. God knows the best. Fare the well.”
Many others including his former students poured words of sympathy on the social media mourning his passage and saying many good things about him.
Keske, born February 9, 1961, bowed out of teaching after spending 35 years in service, on October 29, 2019. To mark the monumental occasion, a glorious retirement service was held at his last port of call as principal – Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso – attended by the who-is-who in the society. He became a vice principal in 2005 and was promoted a principal in 2012 following which he got posted to Ibere Community High School, in Ogo-Oluwa local government area as pioneer principal.
He loved sports and was very innovative as well as creative. He developed sporting facilities and promoted sporting activities in the many schools he served. For years he ran commentaries at football matches at Soun Stadium.
“He touched many lives and will never be forgotten,” one of his former subordinates also said of his passage.
He was survived by wife and children. Burial arrangement to be announced later.
